July 30 is International Friendship Day and if you needed an excuse to finally pull that friend out of the group chat and into the real world, this is it. Whether your crew is into slow lunches, spirited nights out, or something sweet and low-key, Dubai is full of things to do to mark the moment.
Coffee and Conversations at Hoof
If your love language is caffeine-fuelled catch-ups, consider Hoof your Friendship Day sanctuary. This homegrown café, founded in Sharjah and now nestled in The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, pairs speciality coffee with equestrian-inspired charm.
Whether it’s just you and a bestie (AED 350 recommended spend for two) or a bigger group (AED 500+), the à la carte menu makes space for everyone, especially over standout breakfast plates and swoon-worthy pastries.
Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall
8 am –12 am weekdays, till 1 am weekends
Cocktails at Salmon Guru
Tucked away in The Opus by Omniyat, this cocktail bar is anything but ordinary. Their new menu reads like a fever dream in the best way, think savoury sips, spicy twists and flavour bombs. Try the Spaghetti Incident or Watch Out Mario, a retro-inspired cocktail that feels straight out of your favourite video game.
Pair it with their Batatas Bravas, served Salmon Guru style and dance it all off to a DJ set that turns the bar into a full-blown main character moment.
The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay
12:30 pm till late
Caribbean Sunday Roast At Miss Lily’s
On Friendship Day, why not enjoy Miss Lily’s new island-style, Caribbean Sunday Roast? This brand-new roast experience brings bold flavours, good vibes, and family-friendly fun to the heart of Dubai.
Each week features a rotating line-up of mains, from Jerk Lamb Leg and Pot Roast Beef to a punchy Pan-Seared Seabass and a hearty Jerk Mushroom option for plant-based pals. Load up on classic sides like Yorkshire pudding, plantain, rice & peas, baked mac & cheese and roasted veggies. Then round it all off with Apple Crumble or Coffee Bread Pudding.
Whether you’re celebrating with friends who feel like family or bringing the whole crew along, this soulful roast hits the spot.
Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
Sundays 2–6 pm
Live Music at Adaline’s “Girlfriends of Adaline” Night
Sometimes friendship needs a little drama, the good kind. Step into the glittering world of Adaline, DIFC’s immersive supper club that blends Italian elegance with Old Hollywood flair and the wild spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
Adaline offers an unparalleled dining experience, led by renowned Chef Izu Ani, whose menu celebrates the authenticity and rich flavours of classic Italian cuisine. From house-made pastas and succulent seafood dishes to wood-fired pizzas and delicate desserts, every plate is a masterpiece crafted with passion.
Gate Village, Building 3, DIFC
Tuesday – Sunday; 7 pm – 2 am
Three Courses (and Maybe a Wine Pairing) at Beefbar Dubai
If your idea of friendship involves fine food, Beefbar’s new summer menu is calling. Located beside the serene Turtle Lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem, the Monte Carlo-born concept has introduced a limited-edition three-course experience for AED 295, running until September 14.
You’ll choose one starter, main and dessert from a globe-trotting lineup of Beefbar favourites, Dragon Shrimps with wasabi and passion fruit, Steak Frites, Kobe & Angus Gyozas, and Chilean Sea Bass. Want to take things up a notch? Add on a wine pairing for AED 125 and turn it into a proper Friendship Day soirée.
Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem
Daily from 12 pm
Mediterranean Moments at Elaia
If you’re looking for a Friendship Day plan that doesn’t involve late nights or loud music, Elaia at Pier 7 has you covered. This vibrant Mediterranean bistro is offering a special lunch deal where you can enjoy a two-course menu (starter and main) with water for just AED 99. Want to treat your friend to something sweet? Add dessert for AED 20 or a glass of wine starting at AED 25.
With its hand-painted murals, central pizza oven and sunny views of Dubai Marina, Elaia is ideal for the friend who makes even a hump day feel like a mini vacation.
4th Floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina
Lunch offer from 12–3 pm
Summer Plates at Jamavar Dubai
Celebrate Friendship Day in the most refined way possible at Jamavar Dubai, where two special menus are designed for meaningful conversations over exquisite Indian cuisine. The Spice & Spirits menu (AED 395) is a four-course tasting experience, pairing each dish with a cocktail inspired by India’s rich heritage. Available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian formats, it’s as much an adventure in mixology as it is in fine dining.
If you prefer something lighter, the Seasonal Summer Menu focuses on expressive small plates and à la carte options, offering a lighter yet equally expressive selection of small plates and à la carte dishes, perfect for daytime dining or those preferring non-alcoholic options.
Address Residences Opera District, Downtown Dubai
Mon–Fri: 12 pm–12 am, Sat–Sun: 12:30 pm–12 am
Seasonal Set Menu and Marina Views at Blume
If you and your besties are overdue for a long, soul-nourishing lunch, Blume in Dubai Marina is serving just one of the best the things to do. Their new three-course summer set menu at AED 175 per person is comes with three courses and a drink of your choice.
From hot and cold starters to hearty mains, the menu feels like a mini holiday in every bite. For dessert, don’t skip the San Sebastian Cheesecake topped with Pismaniye and chocolate or the mocktail lineup that includes the Crystal Clear Coco Lada and Peach Treasure.
Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina
Daily, 12 pm–8 pm
